Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) received and placed into service three Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System (LUCAS). These units are used to perform automatic mechanical compressions during CPR. ACFR purchased the equipment with a grant from the State of Florida Department of Health (for deployment in the rural areas of Alachua County). The LUCAS device can quickly be deployed on a patient in cardiac arrest and delivers continuous chest compressions for the duration of the call. 

Rural areas of Alachua County can have longer transportation times. These devices can maintain consistent compressions and free a rescuer to perform additional life-saving procedures.

ACFR conducted field trials on this equipment before selecting the LUCAS devices and found that they doubled the survivability of their patients. The department will add more of these devices as funding becomes available.

Alachua County and the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County are pleased to announce that strawberry is the “Plant of the Month” for October.

The Plant of the Month program is a collaborative effort between the Alachua County Commission, the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, the Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteers, the Alachua County Public Library, and Working Food. 

“Every month will offer a chance to explore new foods and expand your palate,” said Alachua County Commissioner Mary Alford when this program was introduced in September 2021. “As we go forward, we want to expand and include recipes for cooking and techniques for preservation. We want to also expand to fruit trees and bushes, herbs, and perennials. It is an exciting program – please grow with us!”

Find out more about the Plant of the Month.

COVID-19 testing is by appointment only for those who are experiencing symptoms (fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Testing is available at the Alachua County Health Department’s East Gainesville location (224 S.E. 24th Street, Gainesville) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  

COVID-19 vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. COVID-19 vaccination appointments are available by calling 352-334-7910.

“Getting a free COVID-19 vaccination prevents expensive and painful hospitalizations,” stated Paul Myers, Administrator of the Alachua County Health Department. “Getting vaccinated protects yourself, family, friends, and those you come into contact with.”

Learn more about the Health Department COVID-19 testing and vaccination updates.

The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH-Alachua) is offering influenza vaccines starting immediately. “Receiving an influenza vaccine is a primary preventive measure against influenza infection,” stated Paul Myers, Administrator of the Alachua County Health Department. “In addition to getting a flu immunization, staying home when ill, practicing proper cough etiquette, and washing your hands are effective personal means to protect yourself and the community from a variety of illnesses. Parents and guardians are encouraged to take advantage of the convenience of school-based flu clinics for their children. Popular, painless, safe, and effective FluMist® is once again available at school clinics, while FluMist® and shots are available at all health department sites.”

Flu immunizations are being offered at the Health Department’s main clinic in Gainesville (224 S.E. 24th Street, 352-334-7910), the City of Alachua satellite clinic located in the Hitchcock’s shopping plaza (15530 N.W. US Hwy 441, 386-462-2542), and the S.W. Gainesville satellite clinic (816 S.W. 64th Terrace, 352-225-4320). Appointments are required for flu shots at all three health department sites and these can be made by calling the clinics at the numbers listed above.

Find out more about the flu vaccine program.

The Alachua County Forever Sweetwater Preserve - West Trailhead (S.E. 16th Avenue and Williston Road, Gainesville) will be temporarily closed for construction improvements beginning Monday, October 4, 2021, at 6 a.m. The construction will provide official parking spaces, improved management and water quality treatment of stormwater runoff, erosion control in the preserve, and will be integrated into a larger public trail system within the City of Gainesville.  

Vehicles, including semi-truck trailers, may not be parked on the spur road after 6 a.m. on Monday, October 4. For visitor safety, the public is expected to observe all closure and warning signs and not enter the construction area at any time during the construction. 

Read more about the Sweetwater Preserve temporary parking closure.

The Alachua County Commission is pleased to announce the artists, artist collaborators, and not-for-profit organizations selected to receive Mini and Matching Art grants, funded through “I Support the Arts” license plate sales.

Grant awards:

The grants are for visual art supplies, music supplies, advertising, studio time, printing, costumes, equipment, and other project-related expenses.

The Arts Council ranked grant applications, which recommended funding awards to the County Commission. The Alachua County Commission created the Arts Council to serve as a resource for local artists and arts agencies, including all municipalities, throughout Alachua County.